Staying Safe over Christmas: Tips and tricks this holiday period

We all plan to stay safe over Christmas

With homes across the country filling up with new gadgets, games, gifts and possible cash in preparation for Christmas; it’s no surprise that burglaries increase by up to 20% over the Christmas period. Read on for tips to keep your home, contents and family safe.

The mad rush of shopping trips, family visits and social events results in a house often left empty.

Now is a great time to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your belongings and family safe.

Check it, twice

When we’re busy we often forget if we’ve shut the bathroom window, or locked the front door. Make sure to check that you’ve locked your house and keep out unwanted intruders. Take a few seconds to make sure your house is secure before you head out.

Don’t tempt: prevent

Deterring would-be criminals early is the best defence against break-ins. Leaving lights on when you’re out for an evening and taking valuables out of plain sight will discourage a robber and let them know it’s not worth the risk! Packaging of your new 50″ television is best taken out on the day of recycling, too. It’s best not to advertise the new contents of your home to the neighbourhood.

Safe festive lighting and windows

Many festive decorators lighting their houses feed cables through small gaps in windows. Criminals know to look for this, as it’s an easy way in. Opt for battery operated or solar lighting. Alternatively make sure you have window stay locks where cables are going through windows.

Away over Christmas?

If you’re going away over Christmas have newspaper and other subscriptions cancelled or delayed. Also try arrange for a neighbour to park in your driveway to create the impression that someone is home. Don’t leave answering messages on your phone like “we are away from the 20th of December until early January”. These are invitations for theft.

Hidden keys should be truly hidden

Don’t leave the spare key under the mat, a rock, in a flower pot, or on a ledge. if you thought of where to place it, a thief can think of where to find it. Leave a spare key with family, or a trusted neighbour. If you have an alarm installed make good use of it. It’s a lot cheaper to run an alarm than to replace stolen contents.

We hope our tips can help you secure your home a little better. Here’s to safe and happy holidays.